Epigenetics

Epigenetic Modulator Enzymes: Writers, Erasers & Readers

A number of histone modifications have been discovered including methylation, acetylation, ADP-ribosylation, ubiquitination, citrullination, and phosphorylation.

These histone modifications are carried out by highly specific enzymes. Depending on their activity, these enzymes are called writers (e.g. if the enzyme adds a methyl group), erasers (e.g. if the enzyme removes a methyl group) or readers (if the enzyme is able to “read or detect” the presence or the absence of the methyl group).